While Chen, ever watchful, sat in the shade of a tree, his senses sharp, Reszet was dozing, laying in the grass. Both perked up when the fox returned, though found him coming alone. And while thoughtful, Turnipper didn't exactly look downcast, so they approached to hear how things had gone with their missing wolf.

"He is not coming?" Chen assumed, sounding well-prepared for the eventuality. Res, meanwhile, seemed torn between relief and worry.

"He's not decided yet," the fox corrected. "He wanted some time to think." Confidently he stood up to the much bigger white wolf to reveal his arbitrary actions to him. "We've talked a lot about the future of this pack and especially about Toshi's role in it. It became obvious that we need to change something, so that's what I proposed. If he is to return, he will give up his position as alpha--"

"His -claimed- position!" Chen corrected stubbornly.

"... his ambition for the position," Turnipper countered calmly. "Which will, if I assume correctly, leave you as the wolf in command?" Naturally Chen confirmed with a single, confident nod. He didn't show much signs of triumph, however, merely a prideful huff. "Toshi would, however, not submit to you."

That caught both the wolves' attention and Chen focused intently on the fox. "And how else is this supposed to work?" he asked skeptically, while Reszet sat beside him and listened agog.

Determined to stand up for himself and his wolf, Turnipper puffed up a bit. "I will take him in," he stated. "As his superior." That actually prompted a reaction from the self-controlled canine. A surprised and slightly shocked twitch in his features. Res, however wore his bewilderment plainly on his gaping face.

Dismissively Chen snorted, though didn't comment on the more than unusual arrangement. Instead he wondered, "And Toshiba agreed to this lunacy?"

"Not yet, as said. I told him we'd be staying by the bridge until tomorrow, then move east. He will either join us before we're gone, or, well, he won't..." The possibility of leaving Toshi behind still didn't sound right to the fox, though he would have to accept his decision. To be honest, he wasn't sure whether he would stay with Chen and Res, should Toshi decide to leave the pack for good. His heart was tied to that stupid wolf. "I hope I can count on your support, should he return?!" he pressed. "For the benefit of the pack!"

An answer came anything but immediately. Chen was very skeptical of the whole concept. Not to mention his resentment towards the idea of a wolf submitting to a fox. That was outrageous!

"I... would support you..." Reszet meekly promised at last and then flinched under Chen's gaze. The gray wolf swallowed, then raised his head towards his superior. "He's right. We can't go on as we have. M-maybe this will work?"

Chen was not convinced, though he also didn't object Reszet's opinion. Morosely he pondered for a moment, scrutinizing the brave vulpine that dared to propose such absurdity to him. That little, scrawny fox that wanted to assume command over a wolf of Toshiba's magnitude. Which, in effect, would make Turnipper Chen's subordinate. An uneven chain of command, to say the least. "What about the hunt?" he eventually asked to address his main concern. He would never allow this periclitation to impede their survival!

"During the hunts, he'll be at your beck and call. All other matters include me," he explained resolutely, not shrinking from the imposing wolf.

Assertively Chen took a step closer to dwarf the fox in his presence. "I won't be lenient just because you are a fox!" he declared, leaving not a doubt that he would stick to his guns.

"I didn't expect you to."

Just as doubtlessly Chen added, "And I will put and end to this arrangement, should it endanger the pack!"

Confident that it won't come to that, Turnipper nodded to accept the conditions. He knew what he was letting himself in for and he also understood that his plan wasn't guarantied to success. A lot depended on Chen's willingness to make compromises and his own ability to mediate between the wolves. Though the first steps were made and now it was on Toshi to overcome his ego and assume his new position in this pack.

The white wolf held his stare for a moment longer, during which he contemplated, whether he should already reprimand his potential new underling for deciding over his head to delay their departure. Eventually, though, he decided to let it slip this once, given the circumstances. With a final, domineering huff, Chen turned away from the fox and walked off. "Reszet, come. We'll use the waiting time for combat training."

Timidly Res' dark gray ears faltered some, though he forced a weak smile, when he saw Turnipper's apprehensive expression. "Coming!" he called and took off after his tutor.

Combat training wasn't exactly Reszet's favorite lesson and Chen certainly was a rigorous teacher, but he also took his pupil's frail physique, lacking experience and still healing body into account. At the current level, the training served more as a means of defense and confidence boost, according to the white wolf. Nevertheless, it was hard and Res gave his best. He'd probably never forget their first sparring lesson together!

He and Chen stood opposing each other, the later in a firm, defensive pose. It had been a frightening view, this close up, but also admirable. Chen's muscles were taut, his strong body unyielding like a rock covered in pristine, white fur. His indomitable stare alone was possibly enough to chase off most foes! The exercise was simple: Reszet was merely told to land a hit. It had taken him a moment to gather courage to lunge out for a punch at his idol, and it most likely was a pathetic first attempt. Suffice to say that Chen was able to parry the blow effortlessly and with nothing more than a single motion. Though the blow back of it alone was enough to send Res tumbling back. When his butt had hit the ground, Reszet realized that, no matter how rough, or violent Chen may have acted towards him in the past, he never, not once, had done so with the serious intent to harm. Because if he had, Reszet wouldn't be here anymore to receive combat lessons!

Today's session was focused around claws and fists again. Apparently, full-on combat lessons would have to wait until Res' hip was fully healed and stressable again. He wasn't looking forward to it, honestly. Though, on the bright side, their grappling gave Res the chance to come into closer contact with Chen, which alone was worth a few bruises. In fact, it was a huge motivation to get better. He wanted to show his mentor that he wasn't a lost cause, that he was a wolf after all. And he wanted to push Chen over and pin him down. Just once would be enough! Right now, though that looked like a foolish wish, as Reszet was once again the only one to feel the ground.

"Watch your footing," Chen reminded, sounding calm. He wasn't even breaking a sweat! "Keep the dominant paw forward and advance with small steps, while on the defense. When you have an opening, lean in and let your entire body transport the force for the blow. When you have to fall back, take two steps to have your dominant paw forward again."

"I... I did!" Res protested, forcing his sore body up again. Defiantly he assumed his earlier pose to show progress. "Left, right, below, above," he recalled his instructions, mimicking the according motions in a dry run. "Then advance," he added, switching to attack and simulating a punch as he was shown.

"I said to advance, when you have an opening. Do you expect an opponent to perform the same four moves over and over?"

"No..." he grumbled with drooping ears. In hindsight, Chen probably had made that pause intentionally to lure him into thinking it was an opening in his defense. It had looked so promising, though! "But how am I supposed to find an opening?"

"That's the difficult part," Chen admitted as he got into position again. Joining Reszet's dry run, he imitated a left and then a right hook in swift succession. "This combo is hard to break out of, especially if you're smaller than your opponent. And a punch from below leaves you at a disadvantage, because the force will drive you back." Again he simulated the blow, though indicated where its recoil would drive Res' body. "But you're small and fast, so a stroke from above may leave you two options to strike back." Guiding his pupil's body as well as moving his own, Chen demonstrated both options slowly. "Either you parry the blow, use its blow back as momentum and aim a punch for the stomach. Or you allow your opponent to push you back, let his blow through, and use the opportunity to go for the face. Now try!" He commanded, lunging out again, though this time seriously.

Reszet had little time to prepare, but managed to deflect the first three blows of the attack as before. For the fourth, Chen moved a bit slower, but with no less force, so the gray wolf failed to parry. Worse yet was that he failed to redirect the blow's momentum and thus wasn't able to perform the second counterattack either. Though Chen hesitated, leaving the opening exposed, so Res came up again and aimed for his teacher's face. The white wolf dodged and, in turn, seized Reszet's arm with one hand while the other came forth as a fist. He pulled his punch, though let it land in the smaller canine's stomach as a harmless knock that nonetheless managed to push Res back.

"Attacks from a lower stance need to be precise, fast and powerful, as they can be easily turned against you, especially if your rival is stronger."

Turning the dull soreness in his midsection into energy, Res lunged out again and fired his fist at Chen's stomach. To meet the attacker's height, Chen crouched down a bit, parried the blow with one arm and used the twist of his body do stop Res' advance by knocking him over with his shoulder. Panting and groaning, the gray wolf landed in the dust once more.

"Good," Chen commented. "But you let your guard down. Desperate frontal assaults sound good in fables, but rarely serve you well in an actual fight. You need to assume a proper stance before you strike. Always think of and find your advantage, while minding those of your foe." When he saw that his student forced himself back up again, though with visible effort, Chen finally broke his fighting pose. "I think that's enough for today. You still need some strength for the hunt tonight, so take a rest."

Humbly, Reszet nodded. He never could tell with certainty, whether Chen was disappointed with him, or just behaving as always. The doubt was gnawing, but at least better than an outright lambasting, so Res didn't ask for his mentor's honesty. Instead he conscientiously followed the white wolf silently to perform their, by now increasingly regular, ritual. He noticed that Chen set his ears back, which he meanwhile knew to interpret as a sign of annoyance. Furthermore he sought out a shady, hidden spot right beneath a large fir's low-hanging branches - Chen's way of saying 'leave me alone'. But Res didn't care. Chen had said a wolf needs to be assertive, so...

Possibly more confidently than ever before, Reszet began to brush Chen's neck and soon felt his silent reluctance melt away. Meanwhile, the white wolf even felt comfortable enough to close his eyes during Res' ministration. Though as always, Chen eventually broke the spell, no matter how much he appeared to savor it.

"Stop it already," he mumbled evenly, turning his head to rest it on his arm. Chen's noble face looked calm, but also slightly wistful. "You don't have to do this every single day."

"But you like it."

Chen said nothing.

Carefully Reszet laid down, right beside the bigger wolf. "I like it too!" he assured, giving the hunk next to him a gentle nudge with the nose. "I..." A bit awkwardly he scooted a little bit closer to Chen, so close that their fur touched and he could feel his warmth. "I like you..." Res admitted sheepishly, his heart beating faster.

Chen's heart remained calm and steady, though, and he breathed in, then out again, before he said, "I do not desire you, Reszet."

The simple sentence let the prickling needle-covered ground beneath the gray wolf turn to ice so cold that it froze his blood all the way up to his ear tips. It felt like a leap down into the toiling water all over again. Res tried to say something, but eventually clenched his quivering jaws shut when only a faint gasp came out. What the fuck did you expect, Res?! 'Oh, really? I secretly like you too, but was too stubborn to admit it. Let's go for a roll in the hay!'?! Stupid! "S-sorr--"

"I never desired anyone," Chen added suddenly, as though he had noticed Reszet's dismay. "Not in this way."

With a bit of force, Res swallowed the lump in his throat down. This didn't feel like a leap, this felt like being pushed - by Chen! Though he'd survived this once, and it had led to some of the dearest moments in his life since he was a pup. He could survive it again! After all, Chen was still talking with him, calm and collected as ever. Though what he said made little sense. "Y-you mean... you've never...? Not even with Caoyesheng?" He only shook his head, which surprised Res. "I always thought you had, considering you're the oldest of us," he admitted. Chen was such a stately wolf, after all, every female would be fortunate to catch such a mate, or at least carry his pups!

"Have you?" Chen returned the question, fully expecting to get the same answer he had given.

Though before he proved him wrong, Res flushed and lowered his ears in shame. "Yes..." he revealed in a sad tone, couldn't however elaborate further. Not to Chen! The truth was too pathetic. It was during the time he had lived in the city to make it over the winter, all alone. Some dogs apparently got a thrill out of breeding a wolf, to make one their bitch. And they didn't care much for gender, boasted even about conquering a male. For Reszet it had been an easy way to get some food. A simple trade. "But it's not only about that," he went on before his unfavorable past could ruin this moment. "I like you because you make me happy, because being with you feels good. I want to make you happy too!"

Chen accepted the words with equanimity, before he answered, "That's flattering, but you would be wise to direct your ambitions elsewhere."

"Why?!" he countered, looking into the white wolf's handsomely dismissive face. "Where?" Chen's favor was the only thing worth the struggle. The only thing Reszet truly wanted and the one thing he feared to lose the most.

"You seem to be doing well with the fox. It might be something contagious."

With a jocular sneer, Res bumped his shoulder into Chen's. "Oh, please. I have standards!" A bit awkwardly he laughed about the rather abject lie, while Chen remained silent. With a final sigh, Res eventually gave in to his longing and closed the brief distance to the wolf beside him once more. Gently he pressed himself to Chen's massive form, savoring the precious, warm moment with closed eyes. And for once he wasn't immediately pushed away. "I want it, Baobei. But... if you refuse, I will accept your decision."

Chen said nothing. For a long while.

And Reszet took advantage of the silence and pushed his muzzle under Chen's throat. Softly he inhaled to sample the bigger wolf's most enchanting scent. Like wet earth in a clear winter night, laced with resinous wood smoke, dusty basalt, coppery blood and a whiff of masculine stench. The smell of an able, skilled hunter, raw and untamed. And the sweetest aroma Res' nose was ever graced with! He wanted more. Wanted to touch. Wanted to be touched.

Firmly Reszet put one hand against Chen's flank and pressed. Feeling mild resistance, he pushily murmured, "Roll over."

"What for?" Chen asked drily.

"Don't ask questions..."

With a bit of force, Res managed to push the reluctant wolf onto his back. Sprawled out like this, his upper body leaned against a gnarled root, Chen looked like a grumpy spot of snow, just softer and warm. Inviting, even! Timidly the smaller wolf straddled him, taking the liberty to let his hands roam over the taut form beneath the snow white fur. The muscles were palpable on his chest and stomach, twitching slightly under his gentle touch. And so far Chen has made no move to stop him.

"Hmmff..." Entranced Reszet came down, pressed his body onto Chen's and buried his face in the plush, soft fur of his chest with a wagging tail. It was pure bliss! The only thing that could make the moment even better still would be an embrace from the white wolf, to feel those strong arms wrap around him, those able hands caress his back. Though Chen didn't move at all, which gave Res the impression that he was acting a bit intrusive. Assertive! "Do you like it?"

Once again the stand-offish wolf remained still, enduring the unsolicited affection. Did he like what Res was doing? To be honest, not really. He hadn't asked for this kind of treatment, didn't need it. Moreover, it felt inappropriate to be pinned like this by a smaller wolf - by any wolf. On his back, vulnerable, with that overeager nose gracing his throat. He should throw Reszet off!

It would be easy, one move and he would be above the runt. A single word would possibly do already. Nothing more than a warning growl. Chen felt it building in the back of his throat, growing, urging to come out. Though it was stuck. Held back by a distant memory. Distant, but just as commanding as his need to maintain superiority. He hadn't had another wolf this close to him in ages. Not since that day. The warm body that pressed down on him, trusted him, relied on him... It was calming, pushing all his anger down. Though what remained was daunting emptiness.

A void Chen didn't know how to fill, never knew how to fill and never wanted to fill. And yet there was something. This stupid, little wolf was digging his way in. Presumptuously invading his most personal space. How could he allow this audacity?!

"You're tense," Res noticed at length. He could feel Chen's stiff muscles, hear his thumping heart and the slight puff in his breaths. This wasn't supposed to work like this. He wanted to make Chen feel comfortable, not angry. "Do you want me to stop...?" he asked, apprehending the answer.

Yes!

No...

There was a conflict boiling inside Chen. Two forces, demanding all or nothing, pulling on his soul like the tides. Though there could only be one moon! He could never abandon Caoyesheng. Yet, Chen longed for a touch like hers. To soothe the raging emptiness her death had left behind. It has been so long...

"Baobei...?"

His mind turning in circles, Chen tried to pull his anger back up. Everything was so clear when he felt that fire burn in his chest. It gave him direction. Though the clingy whelp on his chest suffocated every spark, reducing his resolve to ashes.

Carefully Reszet began to move again, gently rubbing his small, gray hand over the buff, heaving chest to ease the tenseness. It seemed to work and Chen's breathing became calm, almost slack. Not exactly relaxed, but rather... melancholic, resigned. A few long, rather peaceful moments passed before the white wolf broke his silence.

"You are... excited," he noticed calmly, his emotions once again unreadable.

With a burst of shame, Res set his ears back and blushed. Of course he would have noticed sooner, or later. "Y-yes..." he admitted nervously, unmoving on his heavenly bed. Swift and a bit clumsily he added, "I can't help it. You're just so perfect." Silence followed once again, though Chen neither chased him off, nor seemed irate. "You're not angry?"

"Why should I?" Chen retorted soberly. Each creature is subject to its body and mind, in some way. And besides, something like this was to be expected, considering Res' rather obvious ambitions. He didn't even mind the inapposite erection that poked his leg. Misguided pride has proven to be a bad judge in the past.

A bit relieved the gray wolf budged and saw up. Their eyes only met briefly, though it felt reassuring (and a little bit awkward). Slowly Res let his right hand wander down Chen's body, over his taut flank to his slender hip. He swallowed. "Are you excited too?" he asked carefully, though didn't get an answer. Daringly Res shoved his thumb towards Chen's crotch, between their bodies. "Would you mind if I help you?"

With a subdued sigh Chen merely laid his head back.

A bit reluctantly to part with his warm pillow, Reszet pushed himself up. He couldn't believe that he was seriously doing this. That he was really allowed to touch his beloved. Chen's form was absolutely perfect! He was strong, but not as brawny, or thick as Toshi. Nimble and agile, but not as scrawny as himself. His well-tended pearl white fur was dense and fluffy, but neither too long, nor too short. And now that Res didn't have to sneak a covertly peek, but had Chen's privates right there in front of him, he found this part of him marvelous as well. A sizable sheath with a pair of nice, plump balls beneath it, covered with the same white fur as the rest of his body. Reszet's own needy erection looked deplorably beside it.

Curiously, but with caution, the gray wolf brushed his shaky fingers through the fur of Chen's crotch, then cupped his balls and glanced up to see whether his actions were regarded favorably. Chen looked stoic as ever, his dark eyes wandering somewhere in the distance. He was frowning, though not at Res, so the smaller canine slowly went on. Gently his thumb rubbed up and down the length of Chen's sheath, then a bit firmer when he noticed that the pack's alpha wolf could take it. It took a little while, but eventually Reszet managed to lure out the tip of Chen's member.

Without demure from his superior, Res didn't care to stop his hands and soon held Chen's entire manhood in his paws. It was big, thick, heavy... perfect! Like every other facet of him, this one neither managed to disappoint. Meanwhile, the wolf attached to this mighty slab of meat, was enduring the things done to him with a straight face.

"I... I want to gi--" Res began, though was cut short by his superior.

"Do as you see fit," Chen snapped, sounding a bit as though he just wanted to get it over with.

Startled at first, Reszet quickly calmed his nerves again. This was Baochenmo, after all. He'd never been a wolf of many words. Neither had he many demands, or cared much for pleasantries. Who knows, maybe he was enjoying this more than he let on? In any case, Res was given free rein and he very much intended to make this pleasurable for both of them!

Carefully Reszet moved again atop the other wolf, this time straddling him fully to sit down on his thighs. He leaned forth, put one hand down on Chen's sturdy chest and the other one between their bodies. When Res found the courage to look down with a blush, he found Chen looking the other way. Determined he grabbed both of their dicks and squeezed them together, four fingers holding Chen's capital tool, while the thumb pressed his smaller length down on it.

"Hmf..." With a faint, pent-up sigh, the gray wolf began to stroke them.

Composed, Chen puffed a breath through his nose. He never before had someone do this to him and, to be honest, it felt rather intrusive and improper. Though not even he could deny that his body reacted with some delight to Reszet's touches. His accommodator, meanwhile, seemed unequally more enthusiastic. He had his eyes closed, his tongue lolling out and his panting breaths were occasionally accompanied by little whines. It appeared a bit... ungainly, one could say, though he seemed happy. And before long, the small, shuddering wolf came with an euphoric squeal on Chen's belly and smeared the rest of his mess over their members. To the white wolf it looked as though it had felt good. Very good.

With labored breaths and his fist clenched around a tuft of Chen's fur, Res paused for a moment as his waning climax made him feel sluggish. He wished he'd have lasted a bit longer, but he was simply too excited to contain himself. Now he just wanted to fall down on that soft, warm, white blanket and doze off. Though he couldn't be this selfish! Letting his own dick slide out of his hand, Reszet grabbed Chen's more tightly and continued to work it, first slow, then more rapidly. He could feel Chen's heart beat faster under his palm, though his face lacked the joy he had hoped to find.

Eventually the white wolf reached out and grabbed Res' wrist. "Stop it already," he muttered defensively. "You've had your fun, now leave me be. You're just making me sore."

Crestfallen Reszet let Chen guide his hand away. "You... didn't like it...?" he asked in a whisper and was once again met with silence. Though when he saw up, Res could see Chen's slightly tipped ears flush. Bravely - Assertively! - the gray wolf raised his head. "I'm not letting you off on such a sentiment. I want to do this for you!" Keeping the unfinished wolf pinned, Res scooted down a bit and sat between Chen's legs, tail wagging. With his elbows on the ground, he hunkered down and grabbed the gorgeous dick once more.

Startled Chen peered down and blushed deeper at the indecent sight. "What are you doing?" he asked stiffly when Res' cold nose touched his member.

"You told me to do as I want," he replied with a grin. "Now relax and let me do just that. I promise this won't make you sore..." And with that, he pressed his tongue to the throbbing pillar and began to caress it with slow, passionate licks. The dick was warm and tasted a bit salty, though that probably wasn't Chen's fault. Kinda a bit naughty to think what he was lapping up here, but Res didn't mind. He'd eaten worse and Chen's pleasure was worth it!

Surprised by this much forwardness, the bigger canine tensed, then outright gawked when Reszet spread his muzzle. "You don't have... ough!" A warm shudder went down Chen's spine when his manhood got engulfed by warmth and slippery softness. A glance down confirmed that Res had him in his mouth. A grotesque view!

Reszet couldn't claim to be very experienced at this, even though he had done it before. Never this willingly, however. What he did felt indeed rather clumsy, at least at first. Though the dogs he'd blown for scraps never had complained. Res only hoped that his humble performance would be enough to satisfy Chen. And also that he wouldn't push him down like some of these curs had done. A wolf was a lot to handle, Chen all the more!

Though aside form some twitching and hushed groaning, the white wolf barely moved. He simply let Res do, neither attempting to stop, nor encourage him. A bit as though he wanted no part in this act. Chen was beginning to pant, however, which was a sure sign that this was doing something for him.

Affectionately caressing his heartthrob's length with tongue and lips, Reszet soon found his jaws aching. Though there were only few forces on this world that could make him stop now and fatigue was not one of them! His endeavors eventually bore fruit when the body beneath him shuddered, then spasmed. And with a moan of relieve and happiness, Res accepted Chen's semen eagerly, while he gently squeezed his throbbing knot. It didn't taste well, but he wouldn't waste such a generous gift. Before long, Chen slumped against the root, eyes closed, and simply breathed deeply, while calming down.

More than willing to share the afterglow, Reszet came forth again and laid back down on his most comfortable pillow, listening to Chen's thumping heart, rubbing his firm pecs. He was so glad that he could do this for him. This was the best day ever!

Baochenmo, meanwhile, found his mind clear again and sorted his body's sensory impressions. He still felt his hard meat twitching, trapped between their forms. Felt the other wolf's weight on him again, his fond caress. And a look down proved that Res seemed content, considering his dumb grin and wagging tail. "Why... would you do something like this...?" Chen asked perplexed. Such a display of devotion went far past the regular boundaries of subordination and definitely beyond what he would consider appropriate.

"B-because..." Res whispered, then, though, trailed off. He'd never before found the courage to say it, never mustered enough hope that his feelings might be reciprocated - in the slightest! But now felt like a good chance to come clean. With a deep breath and his face pressed to Chen's chest, he said, "Because I love you, Baobei. And because I want you to be mine!"

For a moment Reszet held his breath and listened with perked ears how his crush would respond. Though the other wolf, as so often, said nothing. Which was alright. His even breathing reassured Res that his presence was still tolerated, maybe even appreciated, and that was enough for now. There was no need for further words.